Tavengwa eyes Olympic glory

27 to August 12.
Zimbabwe’s top female long-distance runner Tavengwa wrote her own piece of history when she qualified for the London Games in April with an “A” standard. Tavengwa posted a time of 2 hours 35 minutes, eclipsing the qualification time set at 2 hours 37 minutes for women.
However, for the 30-year-old it is not the fact that she is the only female who is likely to represent Zimbabwe in the women’s marathon at the Games but the fact that she made it for the multi-purpose event is her biggest achievement.
“To be honest, being the only female (Zimbabwean) runner in marathon is not a big deal, but it being just Sharon who qualified for the Games is a huge step in my career. I am the happiest person. I did achieve one of my goals.
“I will manage to get the opportunity to be participating in big races in the world such as the Paris Marathon, New York Marathon and the Berlin Marathon. And also just being in the Olympic Games motivates me to work hard to become one of the best athletes in this country. I will gain a lot of experience from the upcoming races,” said Tavengwa.
Tavengwa said she will do her best in representing the country since this is going to be her debut appearance at the Olympic Games. 
“To my opinion I would say I can’t skip the foundation and start to build the wall, that’s unprofessional. I know people back home will want to see me bringing a medal, yes I cannot deny that. I am not saying I have no goal to bring a medal but it depends on how I feel on that particular race.
“Marathon is a totally different thing, it’s an honest distant.
“People like (swimmer) Kirsty (Coventry) have come far. She built a foundation first and as time went on she harvested well. What I know is that an athlete is like a soldier. As long as the preparations go according to plan we will be smiling,” said Tavengwa.
The top female long-distance runner said she is hoping to compete in more races as part of her preparations.
“So far the plan is to compete in two races in June but finances are pulling me back. I didn’t do well last year because of a lot of problems. I got a virus in Morocco and I was out for three months so that I could recover fully according to my doctor. When I came back to compete I got a knee injury and went out for six weeks,” said Tavengwa.
Tavengwa is currently studying for a physiotherapy diploma and is engaged to Lucien Alon Krotwaar from The Netherlands.
“I got engaged last year in May. My family has been there for me since my career started. They are always there for me even when my running goes down. They do their best to make me happy when I am stressed.
“The whole of last year I realised how important my family was in my career, my two brothers were pacing with me,” added Tavengwa.
She also said the way to success is hardworking and never to give up.
“The ingredients to success is hardworking, never surrender in what you believe no matter what challenges comes by. For me when things go tougher that is when I enjoy. Nothing comes easy in life . . . no pain, no gain.
“It may take you so many years to become a successful athlete but one day you will become the best,” Tavengwa said.
Tavengwa was born on April 18 in 1982 in Mvuma district. She began her journey to success when she was still at primary school when she took part in provincial and national competitions.
“Running was just part of me since my primary school days. I was competing in schools championships, provincial and national championships. I did my primary and secondary education at Chemakanda. I used to be a short-distance athlete but I quit in 2005,” said Tavengwa.
The Kenya-based athlete is likely to be the only female athlete to represent the nation in marathon at the Olympic Games set for London from July 27 to August 12.